Love Over Mac 'n' Cheese?!

Signature Mac 'n' Cheese dishes from Southern. (Photo: Southern Mac & Cheese Store)

Maybe, just maybe, we'll be able to help two mac 'n' cheese lovin' folks get a love connection going on.

A female diner visited the just-opened Southern Mac & Cheese Store last week, saw a guy she wanted to get to know better and posted an ad in the Missed Connections section of Craig's List:

More Pop-Ups & Fall Previews . . .

Some tasty fall happenings to keep you warm this season:

The brand-new menu at CHICAGO q will change your mind if you think of it as only a summertime spot. Executive Chef Lee Ann Whippen has added to dinner BBQ shrimp with lemon-infused grits, a smoked salmon salad with roasted beets and candied walnuts, and linguine with smoked seasonal veggies, olive oil and fresh herbs. There's also a happy hour menu 3-6pm Monday through Friday where you'll get dishes for half-price ($3.25-$3.75), including bacon cheddar hush puppies, fried green tomatoes and smoked dry-rubbed wings.

Bluebird Crew Starts New Tradition

Brand new Bluebird Executive Chef Jack Stankovic has found a new way for the kitchen crew to bond.

He tells 312DD:

"As of last week, a couple of us guys at The Bird get Harold's Chicken, like a big ass bucket for lunch. Last week we destroyed the thing, this week it left us sad and angry. 36 is the number that Harold's is on Milwaukee, you dig. At the end, we wash it down with bubbles and start service."

Bubbles & yardbird?! What is there to be sad and angry about?

Unveiling of Hennessy KAWS at Blackbird

Hennessy KAWS models with Blackbird Chief Mixologist Lynn House (second, left). (Photo: Hennessy)

I'll admit it. I had no idea who graffiti artist KAWS was before I was invited to the spirited dinner hosted by Hennessy cognac at Blackbird Wednesday.

Apparently the New York-based star is such a big deal that the famed French spirit decided to collaborate with him on a limited-release Hennessy KAWS "very special cognac." The company produced 420,000 numbered bottles (I took home bottle number 54,930 by the way) with KAWS' signature artwork as its centerpiece.

There's even a message from the artist on the back of the bottle: "Friends work music art. It's important to find the right blend." The official launch unveiling party for the bottle was held in New York (of course) last week, and there are plans to host additional celebrations in Hennessy's top markets.

Chicago's event in Blackbird's sleek upper level private dining room included a four-course dinner created by Chef de Cuisine David Posey and five cocktails by Chief Mixologist Lynn House. And to give guests an idea of what KAWS' artwork is like, models strutted around the room in memorable signature bodypaint.

It's Official!

Bravo just confirmed that Sable Kitchen & Bar's Heather Terhune is on Top Chef: Texas.

Check out what she had to say in this here video.

Now maybe this can finally come true!

The rules have changed drastically for the ninth season. Apparently, she will first compete against a record 28 chefs—almost double the amount of chefs in season’s past—and only 16 will go on to compete across the Lone Star State (in Austin, Dallas and San Antonio).

Here's the entire list of participants, which includes SIX Chicago chefs in all:

Beverly Kim, Aria Restaurant

Richie Farina, MOTO

Sarah Grueneberg, Spiaggia

Chris Jones, MOTO

Chuy Valencia, Chilam Bilam

The show premieres at 9pm CST Wednesday, Nov. 2.

Good luck to EVERYONE!

Blackhawk Brothers' Night Out!

Blackhawks' team captain Jonathan Toews (left) with new teammate and brother, David Toews (Photo via peacelovehawks.blogspot.com).

Believe it or not, I prefer not to write about misbehaving celebrities, whether they're acting up at nightclubs or leaving crappy tips in some of Chicago's top restaurants.

Instead, I'd prefer to write stories like this one:

Your New Favorite Day of the Week

Photo via official "Meatless Monday" campaign.

I spent my recent birthday week at Expanding Light, a yoga and meditation retreat in the foothills of Northern California.

And while I went with the goal of a glam detox, I came away with valuable information that'll help me enjoy a healthier and happier lifestyle.

In addition to daily yoga and meditation classes, I indulged in the most delicious vegetarian cuisine I had ever tasted. Yes, indulged. The chefs there demonstrated that you don't have to limit yourself to salads and a bunch of veggies to get a good, satisfying vegetarian meal. They incorporated whole grains, nuts, beans and tofu for a number of impressive dishes.

And, to be frank, I'm not trying to adopt a vegetarian lifestyle, but the program I endured had me researching the Meatless Monday campaign.

For at least once a week, diners are encouraged to cut out meat in order to improve their health as well as the environment. In particular, going "meatless" can reduce heart disease and carbon footprints as well as limit cancer risk and minimize water usage.

I don't know about you, but I will be visiting some unconventional restaurants to observe Meatless Monday from now on:

Off The Grid Grubbing . . .

Tim Williams (left), Brandon Baltzley (Photo: BOOM Photography!) and Troy Graves

You're already aware of fall's biggest foodie fests, but didja know about some of the more under-the-radar events happening around town?

Here's what is going down, from a few unconventional pop-up restaurants to a cocktail party with sippin' and swagger: